DFPD Launches ‘Anna Chakra’ PDS Supply Chain Optimization Tool Developed by IIT Delhi

In a significant step towards enhancing India’s food security, Union Minister of Consumer Affairs, Food and Public Distribution, Pralhad Joshi, launched the ‘Anna Chakra’ PDS Supply Chain Optimization Tool at an event held at Bharat Mandapam, New Delhi. The event saw the participation of key dignitaries from the union and state governments, the United Nations World Food Programme (WFP), and IIT Delhi.

Developed by the Public Systems Lab (PSL) at IIT Delhi in collaboration with the WFP, the ‘Anna Chakra’ tool aims to optimize the Public Distribution System (PDS) supply chain, benefiting over 81 crore people across the country. The tool uses advanced algorithms based on Operations Research (OR) and Artificial Intelligence (AI) to enhance the efficiency of food distribution, improving service delivery while reducing costs and emissions.

The launch of ‘Anna Chakra’ marks a key milestone in India’s push for technology-driven solutions in public welfare. The tool is expected to result in annual savings of ₹250 crores, with zero capital expenditure, while also contributing to India’s climate goals by reducing emissions. Additionally, the tool is integrated with the PM Gati Shakti platform, further enhancing its role in logistics planning and optimization.

IIT Delhi plans to expand the use of this supply chain optimization tool across various government sectors and globally, offering to collaborate with other nations and public systems to promote sustainable and efficient solutions for public distribution.